Official FCC Blog

Rural Broadband Access in Nebraska

May 26, 2011 - 03:55 PM

Last week, Chairman Genachowski visited two small towns in Nebraska that illustrate the opportunities created by broadband for those who have it, and the opportunities denied to those left behind in the world of dial-up. In Diller, the Chairman visited C&C Processing, where he met two entrepreneurs who have built a thriving meat business powered by a vibrant web presence, online sales, and digital technology throughout their growing operation. Since getting online, Chad and Courtney Lottman have more than doubled their sales and nearly tripled their payroll, creating jobs in their small town. In Liberty, the Chairman met with area residents who have no broadband, and discussed the business and personal challenges they face as a result. We recorded a short video blog during his visit.

At the FCC, we’re hard at work trying to close the gap that exists between towns like Diller and Liberty by modernizing the Universal Service Fund – the primary government mechanism for funding rural communications networks – to focus on broadband. Last week, also in Nebraska, we held our third public workshop on Universal Service reform. Commissioners Copps and Clyburn attended the full day’s events, and Commissioner McDowell participated by video. Commissioners Anne Boyle of the Nebraska Public Service Commission, Larry Landis of the Indiana Regulatory Commission, and John Burke of the Vermont Public Service Board also joined; all are members of the Universal Service Federal/State Joint Board. We’ve posted the webcast of the discussion.

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